The Mosque

If there is one thing to enjoy in Cordoba, this is the Mosque.

During Mass you can enter free of charge. You will however not be able to visit it and the only area which you will be able to access is where the Mass takes place.

The tickets can be purchased using machines located near the entrance. You should arrive early to avoid long queues.

We strongly believe the best option to visit the Mosque is a guided tour. You avoid crowds and get guided by a local expert.

No matter how you decide to visit the mosque, we recommend you read about its history before you visit (we provide an enjoyable, reduced version of the history of the Great Mosque in this link)

Insider tip: we recommend to enjoy the views from the tower. 300 steps (with the option to stop at different levels to rest) . You wil be able to take fantastic pictures from here.

We strongly recommend you not to miss the views from the other side of the Roman bridge.

The walk from the Great Mosque to Viana Palace is full of interesting monuments, streets and squares.

– Calle del pañuelo (handkerchief alley) . This street receives this name because in its narrowest point it is no larger than an handkerchief being hold by two people that face each other

– Calleja de las Flores (Alley of the flowes) This is one of Cordoba´s most beautiful streets in Cordoba, Due to its size it often gets crowded. As its name indicates flowers hang on all the white houses in this street (most of which have been transformed into souvenir shops) Insider tip: turn your head if you arrive from the mosque to enjoy views of the tower or wait for the small square at the end of the alley.

– Plaza del Potro. This square gets its name from the foal above the basin of the charming fountain. This square served as a livestock market and became famous thanks to Cervantes, who mentioned it in Don Quixote. The writer is said to have slept at the Meson del potro.

– Plaza de la Corredera. When you get to this square you may think you have left Cordoba and have been transported to Castilla. There is nothing strange on this since the architect in charge was born in Salamanca. This large plaza is the only square plaza in Andalucia. It is also known as the Plaza del Mercado andwas used an an arena for bullfighting for many years.

–Time for lunch? In this are of Cordoba we recommend Ermita de la Candelabria to enjoy a relaxed traditional meal. If you prefer a tapas style lunch, we recommend bar Santa Marina, near Palacio de Viana.

– Roman temple An open air temple near the Town Hall. The building has been restored and boosts a façade decorated with impressive Corinthian columns.

– Cristo de los Faroles square. This is one of our favorite squares in Cordoba. Exceptionally charming and little, this cobbled square is surrounded by white walls in front of the Capucin monastery. The square offers a genuine Andalusian atmosphere and it is most of all famous for the cross that stands at its centre. The cross is surrounded by eight wrought iron lanterns, and the marble figure of El “Cristo de los Farandoles” or Cristo de la Agonía.

-Palacio de Viana.